Pakistan Railways has announced a significant fare hike for economy class passengers, with ticket prices for short-distance routes increasing by 10% to 50%, according to a media report on Tuesday. This increase comes despite a recent drop in fuel prices, raising concerns among travelers across the country.
Affected Routes and Passengers
The fare hike will affect passengers traveling on several popular routes, including:
- Karachi to Hyderabad
- Tando Adam, Tando Jam, and Kotri
- Lahore to Sialkot
- Narowal, Narang Mandi, and Faisalabad to Rawalpindi
This increase will place an additional financial burden on passengers who rely on trains for daily and long-distance travel, especially as the country grapples with inflation.
Recent Fare Reductions Followed by Hike
Just recently, Pakistan Railways had announced a 10% reduction in ticket prices for various classes such as Business, AC Sleeper, and Economy. The sudden reversal, with higher prices now being imposed on economy class travelers, has surprised many.
Public Concerns Amid Inflation
The timing of this fare increase has not gone unnoticed. Many citizens, already feeling the pressure of rising inflation, have expressed concerns over the affordability of travel. The fare hike comes at a time when the government has been attempting to stabilize living costs for the public.
Possible Future Fuel Price Reductions
In contrast to the fare hike, a further reduction in fuel prices is anticipated by October 1st, following a decrease in global crude oil prices. This has led to questions about the necessity of the fare increase, with many hoping that Pakistan Railways may reconsider its decision in light of the expected lower fuel costs.
Key Highlights:
- Fare increase by 10%-50% for economy class passengers.
- Popular routes such as Karachi-Hyderabad and Lahore-Sialkot impacted.
- Recent 10% fare reduction now reversed for short-distance economy travelers.
- Public concerns grow as inflation and cost of living continue to rise.
- Fuel prices are expected to decrease again by October.
This fare hike is set to impact thousands of travelers across Pakistan, particularly those relying on economy class travel for daily commutes and short-distance trips. With inflation concerns already at the forefront, the increased ticket prices may lead to further financial strain on the public.
